Elegant 'horizontal zither' planned for Hengqin river

Hengqin Tianmu Qintai is designed as a new Hengqin New Area landmark shaped like an elegant zither in the middle of the island's central Tianmu River.

Plans for the 3.72-billion-yuan ($537-million) landscape and business complex project were recently released. The site is sandwiched between Big and Small Hengqin mountains where the Tianmu flows. It is to be connected to urban roads via the Shuangshuang Bridge (双双桥), one of 10 north-south spans across the Tianmu.

Funded and developed by Zhuhai Da Heng Qin Innovation & Development Co, the 18-story building (16 above ground and two underground) will have floorage of 24.6 hectares (60.79 acres).

Rendering of Tianmu Qintai 

It will encompass a headquarters office zone, conference and display area, urban planning exhibition hall, star hotel zone, experience-oriented business district, and entertainment wharf.

Inspired by the name Hengqin, which translates as "horizontal zither," the graceful design honors the traditional musical instrument, with the building and its reflection in the water shaping a complete zither.

The façade design of the main building is dominated by a glass curtain wall, featuring streamlined architecture. The interior has empty space between solid walls, which gives the building a strong sense of rhythm to echo the design concept of the "Melody of Qin."

Fashionable brands predicted 

Meanwhile, inside the building is planned a three-dimensional pedestrian system, including stairway, sunken plazas, and low courtyards connected to the green space and a slow-moving system encircling the building. The intent is a rich environment for leisure exchanges and viewing the landscape, as well as photography and festive activities.

The project will further improve comprehensive supportive functions of Hengqin, accelerate construction of the Tianmu River Tourism & Leisure Belt, and facilitate the development of Hengqin International Leisure Tourism Island.

According to a project head, the planning permit has been obtained and bidding is underway to prepare for a start in October. The project is to be completed by December 2022.

Agreeable environment [Photos courtesy Zhuhai Da Heng Qin Innovation & Development Co Ltd]